GRANVILLE, N.Y. — Richard C. Vladyka Sr. passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on November 13, 2012, while surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born January 22, 1933, in Hampton, N.Y., to Charles and Libby (Panoushek) Vladyka.

He met his wife of 59 years, Audrey (Jordan) Vladyka, while they were still in high school. The couple became engaged, and Dick was drafted into the Army. Despite the time of war, Dick and Audrey were married in June of 1953, following his basic training. After the two were married, Dick reported back to base where he was deployed to Germany, and served during the Korean conflict. Following his discharge, he went to work in a local slate quarry, worked for John Deere on a veteran’s program, and sold insurance. He then went to work for Telescope in assembly. He earned his way up the ladder to become vice president of engineering, and became a member of the company’s board of directors. Dick worked for Telescope in excess of 50 years. Dick was a community servant for many years. He was a charter member of the Granville Rescue Squad, and spent 31 years donating his time to the Granville Little League starting as an assistant coach in 1972. He continued to coach, served as president, player agent, equipment manager and ultimately chaired the board of directors. Throughout those 31 years, he coached all ages of boy’s baseball. He especially enjoyed co-coaching the travel team his youngest son was playing for, as his eldest son coached by his side. Spending time with his family was always a priority with him. An avid outdoorsman, he spent many days hunting with his family, riding his ATV, and promoting the endeavors of his children and grandchildren. He loved to tell stories of past hunting seasons, and every tale was delivered with more excitement and enthusiasm than the tale before. Dick was a community resident of North Granville for 57 years. He touched the lives of many people, and was always eager to offer help in any way he could.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Libby Vladyka, and a grandson, Nicholas Dickerson.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Audrey (Jordan) Vladyka of North Granville; two daughters, Susan Dickerson and her husband Terry of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Julie Smith and her husband Jeff of Ballston Spa; two sons, Richard Vladyka Jr. of Granville and Edward Vladyka and his wife Brenda of Granville. Additionally, Dick is survived by his eight grandchildren, Benjamin Ayers, Nathan Dickerson, Noelle Dickerson, Richard Vladyka III, Angela Vladyka, Kaitlyn Smith, Jacob Vladyka and Matthew Vladyka; two great-grandchildren, Alexander Dickerson and Mya Crews; one brother, Bernard Vladyka Sr. and his wife Joan of Hampton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His final arrangements are under the direction of the Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church St., Granville, N.Y. Friends and family may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16, 2012, at the funeral home. A Mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Granville at noon, Saturday, November 17, 2012, and Dick will be buried in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Middle Granville following the service.